Michigan pays legal fees for Detroit Public Schools sickout suit

DETROIT (AP) — The state Department of Treasury say it will pay more than $300,000 in legal fees to sue two Detroit Public Schools teachers for what the district alleges was their roles in instigating massive teacher sickouts.

The Detroit News reports Treasury Department spokesman Jeremy Sampson said in an email that the agency understands the school district’s financial situation and has been assisting the district in many areas. State lawmakers approved a $617 million rescue plan last month to pay off $467 million in district debt and establish a new, debt-free Detroit Public Schools Community District.